Pitcher plant (also known as Eve’s Cups, Fly-Catcher, Fly-Trap, Herbe Crapaud, Huntsman’s Cup, Nepente, Oreille de Cochon, Petits Cochons, Purple Side-Saddle Flower, Sarapin, Sarracenia, Sarracénie Pourpre, Sarracenia purpurea, Side-Saddle Plant, Smallpox Plant, or Water-Cup).
Pitcher plant is a plant that contains tannins and other chemicals that helps with some digestive tract problems. There is some evidence that suggests that the extract may affect nerves involved in pain sensation.
Description of Pitcher Plant
This plant has a very distinctive, smooth tubular leaves that holds water to trap nitrogen-rich insects. “Pitchers” have downward facing hairs. Eight to twenty-four inch perennial with red-veined leaves. Flowers are red to green in color which are present from May through July.
Parts Used and Uses of the Pitcher Plant
Unlike many plants, there are just two parts that serve as a medicinal therapy which includes the leaf and root.
- Roots
The Root is ingested to treat smallpox, lung, and liver ailments and it is also used as an aid in childbirth and as a diuretic.
It prevents scar formation.
- Leaves
The Dried-leaf tea is use as medicine to treat urinary tract diseases, fluid retention, fever, and chills. It is taken orally for digestive disorders particularly constipation.
Pitcher plant is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulatory manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Side Effects of Pitcher Plant
The side effects taken orally are not known. The injectable form of pitcher plant may cause a sensation of warmth where it is injected into the body. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. It should not be in use in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Before using pitcher plant, talk to your pharmacist, doctor, or healthcare provider. You may not be able to use it if you have certain medical conditions.
Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant or lactating, as it is unknown on how it passes into breast milk.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
The signs of an allergic reaction includes: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Dosage of Pitcher Plant
- When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor or you may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.
- If you choose to use pitcher plant, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
- Do not use different forms (pills, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
- Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra pitcher plant to make up the missed dose.
